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Swannanoa Palace

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Address: 497 Swannanoa Lane, Afton, VA 22920

Latitude/Longitude: 38.028140, -78.863251

Web site: click here

Phone: 540-942-5201

Pricing: $$

Description:

In Afton, Virginia, Swannanoa Palace stands as a remnant of history. Major James Dooley, a millionaire and philanthropist, ordered this 52-room, Villa de Medici-replica to be built as a gift to his wife, Sally Mae (whose likeness remains looking down from the domed ceiling). Dooley furnished the palace with Georgian marble, gold fixtures, terraced gardens, and Tiffany windows, and it is said that over 300 artisans worked for nearly eight years to complete the project. Major Dooley died in 1924 and Sally Mae in 1926, leaving the palace to James’ sisters. Ownership later changed hands again, and from 1929 to 1932, Swannanoa was a country club (and also reportedly earned the reputation of the best moonshine distillery in the area).

As time passed, the U.S. Navy briefly considered using Swannanoa as a secret interrogation facility during World War II, but the idea was rejected. Instead, Walter and Lao Russell, two acclaimed New Age philosophers, established it as the University of Science and Philosophy.

The current owner offers private tours of the estate as well as open houses on certain weekends, so if you would like a chance to walk through history, don’t miss these tours!

From the Author: Swannanoa Palace is a fascinating place to visit and to photograph. It’s a bit sad to see the decay of the building and grounds, but still worthwhile if you’d like a peek at the past. Just imagine what this mansion looked like in its prime!


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